When you first walk into the Niles North library and look to your left, sitting on the shelf you will see multiple backpacks and pouches. Overhead you will see a sign that says “Wellness Kits”. These wellness kits are courtesy of the Niles North librarians, who understand as the school year progresses students may find themselves beginning to struggle with their mental health. And, whatever the reason may be, sometimes it’s difficult to ask for help, no matter how much you want to.
Each wellness kit has been perfectly curated to help students with various mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and many more. Inside each kit are different crafts and objects that can help a student manage their mental struggles. For example, inside the depression kit you can find two books, a coloring book, markers, aromatherapy putty, a light therapy lamp, worksheet, a journal, and a list of resources you may need.
“We sent out a survey a few years ago to ask about different mental illnesses and which ones they[students] most wanted support with…There’s all kinds of different ones, and we’re always open to additional ones. Each kit has a little QR code for feedback and what we can do to improve them,” librarian Ms. Greener said.
In addition to the wellness kits, the library also offers crafts on Fridays and the “Library of Things”, and a self help section. Crafts on Fridays are mini crafts that students can participate in during their lunch or study hall, just scan to the library and walk back to the craft area. There you will be guided through the craft and taught step by step how to complete the activity. These crafts provide students with a mental health break, and a way to learn simple crafts that could be completed at home.
The “Library of Things” are different items you can check out such as fidget toys, headphones, chargers, flashcards, or many other items that help you be successful throughout the year.
Last but not least, the library’s self help section is filled with books that can help you learn ways to regulate and cope with various mental issues you may be facing. These books can be checked out like any other library book.
“We don’t have the same kind of services that student services or counselors or psychologists have, but hopefully we have things that help people learn to support themselves as they’re dealing with mental health struggles,” Ms. Greener said.
